Officials bless, break ground at new Catholic high school site

The Most Reverend Robert E. Guglielmone, Bishop of Charleston, blessed and broke ground Wednesday at the future site of the school. He was joined by community, school and diocesan leaders.

Pope John Paul II Catholic High School is the Diocese of Charleston’s newest school. It will be built central to the Diocese’s Lowcountry Deanery on S.C. 170 near Okatie.

“This is a historical day,” said Bishop Guglielmone. “Over the past few years, the school’s planning committee has been working, and praying, diligently to build a Catholic junior and high school in the Lowcountry Deanery. That dream is now one step closer to reality.”

To date, financial pledges to the school total nearly $8.5 million. Of that, $3 million was a gift from the Richard D. Ennen Charitable Remainder Trust; $5.5 million was raised from area parishes and friends of Catholic education. The ultimate fundraising goal is $12 million.

“It has been a long and bumpy road leading to the ground breaking; however, our planning and fundraising committees never lost sight of the ultimate goal,” said Helen Ryan, a retired school principal and co-chairperson of the capital campaign. “Our perseverance and commitment show that by staying the course, we can create something very special for the students we will serve and for the community.”

When the first phase of construction is completed, the school will be a two-story building of 30,000 square feet and an all-purpose athletic field. Future plans include additional buildings, playing fields and a gymnasium.

“I believe the opening of John Paul II Catholic School is an act of God in which many of us were privileged to participate. This Catholic school will provide leaders for the Church, community and nation! It will prepare our young people in affirming the Western values that made our nation great while equipping them to serve a world community,” said Monsignor Ronald Cellini, Pastor of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church and President of John Paul II Catholic School.

In September, Christine Paul was appointed principal of John Paul II Catholic School. Paul has more than 20 years of experience in four different Catholic schools, including 15 years as an administrator.

“Our goal is to provide a top-notch, high-tech experience infused with Gospel values so our students will develop the intelligent worldview and compassionate, kind spirit of our namesake, Pope John Paul II,” Paul said.

Officials plan to open the school in August 2013 with abouty 120 students in grades 7, 8, 9 and possibly 10. The school will add one grade each year until it serves 500 students in grades 7 through 12.